Exmouth 57 - 12 Tiverton

This week, Exmouth entertained Tiverton at home. The last time the two teams met, it was much a one sided game. However this, there second meeting of the season, was different writes Tom Parry.

An early try came from Sam Reid was set up by a great offload out of the tackle by Joe Parkin, and converted by fly-half Shaun Fayter to put the home team ahead 7-0. With all the territory and possession in the favour of the Cockles, Exmouth struck again with a well worked try from Dan Macleod and another conversion from Fayter for the score to go up 14-0.

It was now the turn of the forwards to attack. Excellent controlled driving mauls, and fast rucking allowed the backs to play smooth running rugby. A break near the line by back row James Bartholomew resulted in another try for the home side. No conversion saw the score at 19-0.

Fly half Fayter was next on the score board through a good break in the backline cutting through Tiverton’s defence. Converting his own try moved the score to 26-0 ten minutes before the half time break. The away team made some good counter attacks, and defended well preventing many good opportunities by Exmouth. But it was not enough to stop another try from Exmouth with Dan Macleod crossing for his second. Fast, clinical play in the backs and an offload from his centre partner, Adam Morris, put Macleod in near the posts making another easy conversion for Fayter.

Exmouth ended the half with a sixth try, this time Kevin Rodwell being the scorer. A miss move in the backline saw Rodwell have a clear run to the line. Fayter again added the extras leaving the score 40-0 at half time.

The cockles started the second half much as they ended the first. Quick handling, controlled forward play and lots of running rugby. Jake Argent powered his way through to the try line for the first try of the second half for Exmouth.

Now, in Tiverton colours, Kevin Rodwell was on the score sheet for the away team. A good kick into open space led to a foot race between Rodwell and Exmouth’s last line of defence. A touch down over and an excellent kick from Tom Andrews put the score to 45-7. That try uplifted the Tiverton team who started playing with real passion and belief. At the forefront of their attack was a good mix of backs and forward play. However Exmouth defended well and was rewarded from another try by Tim Green, on the 60 minute mark. The score now at 50-7, Tiverton were still battling to gain something from their good phases of play.

Exmouth stepped up their attack and were pushing Tiverton hard. Tim Green again went through to claim a brace in this high scoring match. Lloyd Murrin converted the try to give Exmouth a total of 57 points. However the game was not over, and with a last effort Tiverton were again aided by Rodwell’s hard running, this being his second for Tiverton and his third in total, leaving the final score at 57-12.